Getting Organized: Why I Love Baskets

1. Modern Weave Oversized Storage Bin  //  2. Metallic Woven Baskets //  3. Abaca Tall Lidded Storage  //  4. Tricolor Ikat Hamper  //  5. Modern Weave Harvest Baskets   //  6. Bolga Baskets  //  7. Modern Weave Handled Baskets  //  8. Graphic Printed Baskets   //   9.  Modern Weave Storage - Small Lidded Basket   //   10. Tricolor Ikat Waste Basket   //  11. Curved Storage Basket

When I was growing up, my mom used baskets for everything. I mean everything. Fruit was displayed in baskets. Magazines were organized in baskets. Our toys were kept in baskets. Even toilet paper was stored in pretty baskets in our bathrooms. I'll admit that I thought it was a little weird as a kid, but as an adult, I get it. I really get it. Our house always looked beautiful, and I genuinely think that her creative use of baskets for everyday items was a big part of it. It felt organized, but not in a bland, sterile way. It was artistic, a little eclectic, and really quite lovely.

Speaking of organization (or lack thereof), over the past year, the space that was once our living room (ha) has slowly morphed into a giant toy box for Essley's ever mounting collection of stuffed animals, books, puzzles, and dolls. (The kid is the first grandkid on my side of the family. People like to give her things. A lot of things.) And although we do try to keep her belongings in her bedroom and teach her (as best as you can teach a 14 month old) to tidy up after herself, the reality of the situation is that she tends to play in the living room during the day, which means toys end up collecting there at a rapid pace.

I started thinking the other day, as I watched Essley dump a massive container of Legos out onto the floor, about my mom's basket collection. I suddenly felt inspired to take action myself. I turned to one of my favorite brands, West Elm, and started basket hunting. And you guys - I found so much goodness. Ideally, I'd like a mix of sizes and types to use throughout the downstairs - for Essley's toys, yes, but to organize other things as well. The pieces you see above are my favorites. I'm especially eyeing #1, #5, and #6. They're very different styles but I think they'd look so cool mixed together in the same space.

Do you use baskets for storage and decorating in your home? Which one from the examples above is your favorite?

This post is in partnership with West Elm.

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